By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
On the eve of competition, the Special Olympics athletes from Wood County showed no sign of getting jitters.
“I’m never nervous,” said Kim Fechter, from Perrysburg, who is swimming the butterfly, backstroke and a relay in the winter games for the Ohio Special Olympics at BGSU this weekend.
James Mozema, nicknamed “The Bullet,” by his teammates, was ready to take on the competition in the freestyle and relay races.
“I’m a speeding bullet,” Mozena, of Bowling Green, said with a grin.
Kim Paxton, nicknamed “KimPossible,” had trained for the backstroke, freestyle, breaststroke and a relay.
Fechter, the most serious of the athletes, has no nickname. She chose swimming for a very logical reason.
“It’s a good source of exercise. It puts less stress on your body,” Fechter said.
Mozena’s love of swimming had nothing to do with fitness.
“The water’s like a bathtub – with ice cubes,” he said. “I’ve been practicing in my pond” – last summer.
While the athletes were calm, their coach admitted to being anxious about the statewide competition.
“They are never nervous,” said Wood County Special Olympics Coach Jacob Muellerschoen. “I’m nervous, but not them. They’re never nervous.”
They are prepared – and had to prove their commitment to their sports with weekly practices, and participation in the regional games in January. And they are being joined this weekend by other athletes from across the state.
The statewide competition is bringing nearly 1,400 Special Olympians to BGSU for three indoor winter sports of swimming, basketball, and competitive cheering. The outdoor winter games – for snowboarding, downhill skiing and snowshoe competitions – will be held later at another location.
“This is our first ever winter games together in one event,” said Jessica Stewart, CEO of Special Olympics of Ohio. “This is a culmination of all the work these athletes have been doing all year.”
Friday evening brought all the athletes and their families together for the opening ceremonies in the BGSU Field House. The teams marched in to the Olympic theme song, carrying banners, waving to fans and high-fiving BGSU athletes lining the track.
Representing the Wood County Wildcats are 19 swimmers and four basketball players. The athletes stood in silence as the colors were presented, and as a fellow Special Olympians sang the National Anthem.
Competition is always exciting, Muellerschoen said – but this was particularly so because these are state games so close to home.
“Everybody can come see them, and they’re the center of attention,” the coach said.
The Wood County Wildcats were confident that their hard work would pay off in gold.
“We’re going to go over there and try our best,” Paxton said.
After the ceremonial torch lighting Friday night, some of the athletes planned on attending a dance at the field house. Others were planning for an early night before Saturday’s competition.
“I’m gonna get a good rest,” Paxton said.
Her teammate, Fechter, was planning a healthy breakfast of cereal, an apple, and more fruit.
As for celebrating their victories, again Fechter was the most sober.
“I don’t celebrate,” she deadpanned.
“Unless Jacob takes us out to eat,” Paxton added with a smile.
Muellerschoen made no promises, but said he loves his job as a Special Olympics coach.
“It’s the most fun job I could have. Being involved in sports, and with these fun people,” he said.
Wood Lane Superintendent Brent Baer said the athletic event this weekend is a great opportunity for local athletes.
“We get excited about Special Olympics anytime,” he said. “The sheer sense of inclusion and belonging is great.”
And the games offer athletes a chance to challenge themselves and to join in good-spirited camaraderie.
“It provides the opportunity for friendly competition,” Baer said. “We really crave that opportunity.”
